Which cells are generally more resistant to radiation?

Fully differentiated cells are generally more resistant to radiation due to their stable and specialized nature. These cells have typically exited the cell cycle and are not actively dividing, which makes them less susceptible to the damaging effects of radiation. Radiation primarily targets rapidly dividing cells because they are in a phase of the cell cycle that is more vulnerable to disruptions.

In contrast, immature cells and undifferentiated cells are often actively dividing and have a high rate of metabolic activity, making them more sensitive to radiation damage. Rapidly dividing cells, such as those found in the bone marrow, gastrointestinal lining, and hair follicles, are particularly at risk because radiation can lead to significant cellular damage or death during division. Therefore, the unique characteristics of fully differentiated cells—being specialized, non-dividing, and more stable—contribute to their increased resistance to radiation.